By applying a “zero tolerance” policy against the illegal hunting of hawks and quail, the department of Punjab fauna will deploy the newly formed fauna rangers across the province under the secretary forests, Mudassir Riaz Malik.
The head of the Faun Ranger Mubeen Elahi chaired a meeting on Wednesday at the Lahore zoo to examine and finalize the strategy.
The officials noted that the illegal hunting of hawks and quail in Punjab led to a sharp drop in the population of these rare bird species.
Immediate FIR (first information reports) will be filed against offenders, and landowners have found an accomplice to allow illegal hunting on their property and will also be confronted with legal consequences.
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All field officers and staff were invited to maintain complete vigilance at any time during the hunting season.
All assistant fauna chiefs have been responsible for submitting daily reports on violations and implementing measures. It was decided at the meeting that the respective assistant fauna chief would be held responsible for complaints relating to the net or trapping of hawks or quail.
The objective is to educate the public on ecological damage caused by illegal hunting and to discourage these practices. Dedicated raid teams will be established in their respective regions to monitor and act on any illegal activity.
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The field officers will launch public awareness campaigns synchronized through Punjab using electronic and social network platforms.
The meeting was followed via Video Link by all the chief assistant fauna in the whole province, as well as the heads of fauna and the assistant senior fauna.
The department also announced that agents demonstrating exceptional performances during the hunting season will be rewarded accordingly.
While the latest efforts of the fauna department mark a serious commitment to the conservation of wildlife, the success of this campaign depends on public cooperation, awareness and effective application of the law.
